ISTANBUL, Nov 19 (NNN-XINHUA) – Political parties of the Asian region, pledged yesterday, to enhance collaboration and dialogue, to better cope with the growing global challenges, during a conference held in Türkiye’s largest city, Istanbul.
The 11th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which runs from Thursday to Sunday (tomorrow), is convened under the theme “The Role of Political Parties in Strengthening Dialogue for Global Peace, Prosperity, and Cooperation.”
Chung Eui-yong, co-chair of the ICAPP from the Republic of Korea, said, the growing crises in recent years, such as global warming, global conflicts and high inflation, could not be resolved from a single centre.
“We can develop a common vision and strategy for eliminating differences. I believe the time has come for the ICAPP to lead the Asian community to peace, stability and harmony,” he said, at the assembly’s opening.
For his part, Turkish Vice President, Fuat Oktay said, Asian countries would be the most powerful nations in the world in the next five years.
“Undoubtedly, the decisive role of the Asian continent in the world of the future will be much higher,” Oktay said. “About two-thirds of global growth in the next 10 years is expected to occur in Asia. By 2030, the continent will become the hub, accounting for more than half of the global economic output.”
Oktay also drew attention to the threats like terrorism, illegal immigration, internal conflicts, and bilateral and regional hostilities, that create regional and global risks, urging the political parties to expand cooperation and exchange of information to fight them.
Qian Hongshan, vice minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said, global peace, prosperity and cooperation are facing severe challenges, calling on the political parties “to be defenders of peace, creators of prosperity, and set an example of cooperation.”
“That’s why we Asian political parties gather here today, to discuss solidarity and cooperation and demonstrate responsibilities,” Qian noted. “The CPC stands ready to continue to strengthen exchanges and mutual understanding with other Asian political parties, on the theory, experience and policies of modernisation.”
The conference gathered about 200 representatives from 70 political parties and international organisations, from more than 30 Asian countries.
Representatives of four major political groups in Europe, and umbrella organisations of African and Latin American political parties also attended the conference, Türkiye’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
The 11th General Assembly of ICAPP was initially scheduled for 2020, in Türkiye, but was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The biennial conference was launched in 2000, to promote exchanges and cooperation among Asian political parties, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and create an environment for sustained peace and shared prosperity in the region.– NNN-XINHUA
